I am putting my plans and dreams for establishing a Medieval Tavern on hold indefinitely. If I had at least an equal business partner willing to meet me half-way on producing designs, plans, and investments; then I would do it. I have not been able to find such a business partner, and so therefore I was not willing to do it myself; as the risk and stress would have been too much for someone that is not rich. I had already taken out loans for college and car, that I struggled to pay. Now that I have greater financial stability and resources, I am not willing to pour all of my savings into a Medieval Tavern; because I would need to take out another loan, and even if I could make a working business, there is a good chance that business would not make net earnings the first few years (it would be in the red). With what would I pay the loans back, if the gross earnings went into paying only the utilities and employees? Business schools generally teach that most new businesses do not start covering costs, until several years later; some close before that, and others go bankrupt.

For many years I have had some loyal and interested friends, that worked on some of the concepts with me; however it takes more than the occasional comment of encouragement or critique, to match what I had designed, planned, and was willing to invest. I have realized, the hard way, that even creative people that can understand what an awesome idea it is, are probably not going to commit to such a major life project (by commit I mean spend most of their waking days on it like I have often done). Most people have their own lives and dreams, that they may or may not pursue. I have yet to find anyone as intent on making a Medieval Tavern as I have been, and I accept that may be the case until I die.

Yet because I am stubborn when it comes to dreams, I am transferring my SCOD efforts from the Medieval Tavern, to the potential for a Victorian Tavern, Tea-House, or Tap-Room. I have a house that was built in 1908, and has a Victorian first floor interior. There is parking along the streets nearby, and the town is the historic tourist town of Harpers Ferry; so there are already successful bed & breakfasts. In fact we had a B&B in our house for years, among other businesses. So it is more likely I will be able to achieve a Victorian Establishment of some kind, before I die; without as much financial backing, and less partners. I will be starting this new dream based on current and future conditions, and no partners (for now). Some dreams we live with, are in fact, in part, already a reality.

2. Get a business license, liquor license, insurance, inspections, permit for a club, and whatever else is needed legally in that location.

3. Order enough beer, liquor, wine, and a few food items to last a month or two; always keep stocked, and sell it for more than you pay for it.

4. Advertise locally, in print, and on-line; with proper signage.

5. Have a reason for people to come and keep coming back; quality food & drink; affordable costs; membership dues or benefits that other places do not offer; atmosphere and special social scene.

6. File proper income taxes; accounting for employees and sales.

7. Deal with problems as a benevolent over-lord.

Sounds simple doesn’t it? So why has it not happened yet? The problems come with the initial start-up costs and rent. Even with a steady stream of patrons, there is no guarantee that sales will cover the cost to run the place; and that is the big gamble – the risk.

Is anyone interested in working on designs with me for a “SCOD Victorian Revival Tavern”? The pub can be either urban townhouse pub style, or rural mansion. As discussed with other SCOD members, Victorian is obviously more popular because of the steam-punk fad, and the high-level of technology and design (relative to the former medieval based project). I will need volunteer writers and illustrators, but if all you have is a penny’s worth of ideas, that will do too. We are more likely to find investors to manifest a Victorian SCOD, rather than the older more rugged Medieval SCOD.

2012 is also the year that the search for the first democratically elected or volunteer SCOD Council is declared. This will further define SCOD membership, with an emphasis on Pro-Active contributions, rather than Re-Active. Also it will allow SCOD to evolve led by the most current active members, and not held back by the stubbornness of older less-active members (such as myself). Allowing for a SCOD President to be elected often, will allow many to fill the position, and feel proud to add “SCOD President” to their resumes. This in turn will further the goals of SCOD outreach.

I think that by having a Council, it will mimic the structure that existing intentional communities have (not just organizations), and make it clear which members are active contributors (previously labels such as SCOD Associative Member were unclear as many Associated Members were more active than some of the older members). In this way SCOD will become more defined by its ACTIVE members, than by seniority of membership; but through a more defined Constitution (by-laws) we can structure a legacy to build from, and certain ideals to add to or modify (but not disregard).

(note: while this house is not a Victorian Style, it was built at the tail-end of the Victorian Period, and beginning of the Modern in 1908; Inside the entire first floor is dedicated to Victorian Decor, and is an Art & Antique Middle Class Museum. This case study shows how SCOD theory is adaptable.)